Millions of travelers ask the same question every year: Do I need a visa?

Visas for Taiwan and China-bound travelers made easy

According to industry experts, in an effort to lure in more foreign tourists, Taiwan and China are next in line after Japan to loosen their previously strict visa rules. Visa facilitation has apparently become the latest marketing tool for the tourism industry. The two respective countries have now felt pressure by Japan’s recently waived visa.

With tourists seeking for better comfort and ample convenience during their journey and stay, visa facilitation certainly plays a vital role in fulfilling these needs. On July 1, 2013, multiple-entry visas have been offered to Filipino and Vietnamese tourists, while Malaysia and Thai tourists have been given a waiver in their visa requirements by Japan. Malaysians staying for three months or less and Thais staying no more than 15 days are eligible for the visa waiver.

To date, citizens from countries Taiwan has not signed a visa waiver agreement with will be issued visitor visas allowing stays of 14, 30, 60 or 90 days within a validity period of 3 to 12 months. The general requirements for visa application are a passport valid for at least 6 months, a completed visa form, 2 passport photos, a return/onward ticket, proof of sufficient funds and payment for visa fees (US$50 for a single entry; US$100 for multiple entries).

Visitors from certain countries can visit Taiwan without a visa but if you do require a visa upon checking, then the application procedures can be different when you are not in your home country. As for trips to China, a trip to the Chinese embassy is not necessary as visa application can now be done online, if one is required. Visa exemption will be given to visitors from Brunei, Japan, Singapore and San Marino (with Malaysia as a supported country). Travellers must also note that although Hong Kong and Macau are part of China, both places belong to the Special Administrative Region where their visa requirements are different from Mainland China.

All decisions for granting any visa remains with the government authority. Evisa Asia is not affiliated with the government. Evisa Asia charges a professional fee to provide a number of value added services.